What Makes You You?

In Year 10, students at Bangkok Patana undertake a new subject, Global Citizenship, with the aim of building their awareness and understanding of the wider world and their place in it. Throughout their time in Year 10 and Year 11, students examine different aspects of being a global citizen and are encouraged to take an active role in their community, collaborating with others on global issues with the aim of making our planet more peaceful, sustainable and fair.

In the first module, What Makes You You?, sees students explore and understand their perspectives, beliefs and core values which make them who they are. This includes identifying their own characteristics and discussing different viewpoints on global issues such as medical ethics. During the module, students also develop their skills in recognising and respecting the perspectives, characteristics, beliefs and core values of others, which may be very different to their own. This was certainly evident when they recently spent time with Foundation Stage students, playing, learning and speaking with them. These interactions helped the Year 10s identify core values such as honesty, kindness, friendship and family which the FS2 students see as most important as well as understand how younger children view the world. Engaging with younger peers encourages not only recognition of diverse beliefs and values but also empathy, patience, and responsibility, key features for a peaceful and fairer global community. Moreover, it provided the Year 10 students with a fresh, simplified perspective towards reflecting on their own attitudes and current priorities.

For both groups, their shared time together not only allowed for fun and joy but also reinforced the idea that everyone, regardless of background, beliefs and values deserves respect and kindness and to be seen and heard. The Year 10s are already asking when they can visit FS again!